Bullock Creek High School students and staff were asked to take a School Climate Summary in 2004-2005. Seventy-four percent of the students and 78 percent of the staff took part, answering questions about the schools safety, student belonging, group membership, self-worth, ability to contribute and in other areas. As seen by the above student comments, opinions were mixed.

Now it is Week of Nonviolence and sophomores Kelcie Sweeney, 16, and Michael Gustin, 15, planned this years activities at BCHS.

Sweeney said they did research, and realized school violence is rampant and needs to be stopped. However, Sweeney said BCHS is "very safe."

"I dont know too many people who feel threatened," she said. "People in our school have a caring for one another."

But comments were again mixed under the area of successful living. One student wrote, "Kill yourself! We hate you!" with no indication of who they were speaking of. Another student noted, "Most kids have anger problems." A third student felt not only anger, but depression and anxiety were problems at Bullock Creek. Several students felt no one would care if they lived or died.

Sweeney said BCHS has celebrated non-violence week with a yoga demonstration, to relief stress, and a non-violent poetry contest. Today is Hippie Dress Up Day, and Thursday is Orange and Purple Day. Students will also listen to motivational speaker Jeff Yalden on Thursday.

Some staff also had negative comments. One wrote, "Discipline, from an administrative level, seems nonexistent." Another staff member noted a lack of pride in school property.

Finally, a third staff member wrote "Students should be taught that they cant use their past as a crutch. Education is their ticket out of a bad place."

What advice does Sweeney have for any student who might feel threatened?

"Talking to somebody will help," she said. "Talking to an adult or somebody else."